Irish retailer Dunnes Stores was named as the category winner in two categories in the second-annual European Private Label Awards (EPLAs), organised by ESM: European Supermarket Magazine in association with M.A.D.E.
Dunnes Stores took the spoils in the Frozen Food and Tea, Coffee & Hot Drinks categories for its Freshly Frozen Pineapple, Carrot & Ginger Smoothie and its Simply Better Irish Handmade Belgian Hot Chocolate Swirl Stick.
Freshly Frozen Pineapple, Carrot & Ginger Smoothie is a selection of frozen chunks that can be blended straight from the freezer.
Judges said that the product was “beautifully packaged”, a “really interesting concept”, and ideal as a convenient, healthy option.
For its Simply Better Irish Handmade Belgian Hot Chocolate Swirl Stick, for which the retailer collaborated with artisanal chocolatier, Áine’s Handmade Chocolates, was praised as a novel and fun product.
Judges said that it offers a “point of difference” in a category which often lacks innovation. It’s “warm, creamy and delicious” was also praised.
Further Acknowledgement
In addition to winning two categories, Dunnes also featured as a finalist for four more products.
Its Sicilian Lemon And Rose Pressé (Beverages [Non-Alcoholic]), Simply Better Handmade Almond & Fig Nougat (Confectionery & Snacking), Simply Better Irish-Made Triple Berry Yogurt (Dairy Products), and its Simply Better Rounded And Full-Bodied Classico Espresso (Tea, Coffee & Hot Drinks) were all acknowledged.
The EPLAs, developed by Checkout’s sister publication ESM: European Supermarket Magazine. acknowledge excellence in the private label industry all across Europe, as well as suppliers serving the European grocery sector with private label products.
This year, it welcomed twice as many entrants as last year, with leading grocery operators in Germany, Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, Sweden, Norway and Portugal taking part, as well as a number of private label suppliers.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O'Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
